https://www.isabellaqianjin.com/blog daily 0.75 2026-02-18 https://www.isabellaqianjin.com/blog/fabric-sustainability-historical-practices-with-modern-applications monthly 0.5 2026-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/692e0178077bdd701ad97dcf/bbf03bb3-5a82-482e-9762-bd2122f86f3f/knitdarn.jpg Blog - Fabric Sustainability: Historical Practices with Modern Applications - Knit Darning This method follows the original stitch form to replicate the pattern of the garment. In this photo the original piece is in green while the new darning is grey. Photo: @yuitumuni2011ky on Pinterest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/692e0178077bdd701ad97dcf/8d082f2f-f016-4ac3-a153-01974135fa3f/visible+darn.jpg Blog - Fabric Sustainability: Historical Practices with Modern Applications - Darning Darning is typically associated with socks, however it can be utilized with many different pieces of woven cloth, unless designated as a knit, the fabric most likely is woven fibers. You can also darn knit clothes though it requires a different process than woven fabrics because of connected stitches (see Knit Darning below). It was common among the population before the introduction of machine made pieces. It was expensive to buy fabric, and more so to buy clothing, most families could not afford new items each season. Thus clothing was fixed with patches and darning to lengthen the life of the garment further. In modern times, there are a lot more options allowing individuals to personalize and follow creativity. Discrete darns require color and texture matched fibers, which may be difficult to find. Similar alternatives include embroidery thread, which lacks softer texture but has many colors, or thin yarns, which lack color options but often are a softer texture. Although most houses no longer have darning mushrooms, an embroidery hoop or pins on a large cardboard piece can help hold the project still and taut which you are working. Photo: @pattyjlyons on Pinterest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/692e0178077bdd701ad97dcf/0c407145-df13-4ca7-9803-8aa1c2ea956e/hem+jeans.jpg Blog - Fabric Sustainability: Historical Practices with Modern Applications - Hemming Hemming is another simple alteration that can be achieved by hand by cutting and sewing a running stitch. Hemming techniques have been used for a longer time than can be measured, to shorten a piece and secure the edge. You should cut at least two hem widths below (also considered longer) than your intended final length of the project so that the hem can be folded and sewn cleanly. Keep in mind that bulkier fabrics will require a larger hem width because of the thickness of the fabric. Photo: @ursula5918 on Pinterest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/692e0178077bdd701ad97dcf/0d47aa9a-f8df-4b2e-ac88-1cf483f79132/decorative+stitch.jpg Blog - Fabric Sustainability: Historical Practices with Modern Applications - Decorative Embroidery and Stitching Decorative Embroidery is another option for visible mending and alteration. This can be utilized to fix holes or tears and reinforce the piece. Typical embroidery can vary in thickness, stitch size, and structure of the thread. Embroidery thread comes as 6 strands that can be separated for use, for finer details use 3 or less strands in your work, larger details can use 4 or more strands. I would stray away from using all 6 strands at first though because the larger stitches can highlight your mistakes as you first attempt to stitch. A running stitch can still be utilized here, but you may be more interested in different decorative stitches like a french knot, chain stitch, or satin stitch to add some texture and dimension to your embroidery. Photo: @WillowValleyFarmhouse on Pinterest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/692e0178077bdd701ad97dcf/fd862e07-8361-43e0-a6b0-937596cc8340/starcutstitch.jpg Blog - Fabric Sustainability: Historical Practices with Modern Applications - Make it stand out Photo: @Simolibo on Wordpress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/692e0178077bdd701ad97dcf/a8c32727-8261-4dab-9104-633ff9ceeeb0/sashiko.jpg Blog - Fabric Sustainability: Historical Practices with Modern Applications - Sashiko Sashiko is another form of decorative mending, originating in Japan, it is more geometric based and structured than American embroidery. It uses a base of running stitches to secure the fabric and geometric pattern in place. Usually placed as a thick white thread on a dark blue or denim background possibly with multiple layers of fabric. This art is very eye-catching and can help maintain warmth in the colder months. There are a few important differences between simple decorative embroidery and sashiko. 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